New 500/51x format : K551X

[shakim]

The 500 format created by API allows the use of different preamplifiers, compressors... in the same box that provides the supply voltages and inputs/outputs. (API is a registered trademark of Automated Processes Incorporated)
The size of the modules is standardized and each module is equipped with a board edge connector that plugs into a female connector on the backplane.
The 15 pins of the connector provide the standard +16V/-16V and 48V for phantom power. A balanced input and output as well as a link for the compressors.
There are still some pins used by some PLC modules (2nd unbalanced input/output for 512 preamps, gain resistance for 515 modules etc.)

A new 51X standard has been introduced to provide additional options by using an 18-pin connector. This allows to add the necessary +/- 24V voltages to some modules while keeping the compatibility with modules typically in 500 format.
Indeed, the 500 modules only use 15 of the 18 available pins.
This allows new functions but we can go even further by making the backplane modular. This is why Labo K Effects has studied the problem and is able to offer 3 types of backplanes that can be fitted to the 500 boxes.
These backplanes use 18-pin connectors to be compatible with the 500 and X51 standards. These backplanes have been named the K551X.
The K551X are available in 3 versions for the moment.
A standard version with 4 slots, a standard version with 2 slots to create a 10 slot backplane (4+4+2)
The 3rd version with 2 slots is special. It allows 2 adjacent modules to communicate via a relay system controlled by one of the 2 modules.
This allows 2 adjacent modules to have independent inputs and outputs while being able to be chained if desired.
Take for example a microphone preamplifier and equalizer connected to this backplane. An Insert switch on the preamp module would allow the EQ to be inserted into the preamp path.
The different types of backplanes are powered by a PSU BUS using IDC connectors
This modular system makes it possible to develop modules using different connectors if more options are required. It is sufficient that the backplane is compatible with the PSU bus.
This system allows you to change configuration very easily by replacing one backplane with another adapted to the new module.

http://labo-k-effects.com/pdf/anglais/diy/labo_k_effects_K551X_Format_us.pdf
http://www.labo-k-effects.com/shop2/en/26-k551x

 

[shabtek]

How is this better than a patch bay?

 

[weiss]

And why is this in the black market?

 

[shakim]

It's usefull if you have no patch bay 

And if you want to temporarily form a channel with 1 Preamp and 1 EQ then you don't need to go through the balancing stages of the 2 modules. The EQ is directly in the preamp path without leaving the box. Of course, the modules must be designed for this purpose. That's why this new K551X format is introduced.

 

[shakim]

Weiss
this is in the black market by mistake
this post was intended for the white market
I can't change it.

 

[shabtek]

What is it you are selling?
What part is diy?

If I understand your idea—in order to go into or out of this novel linked module mode; must one pull the modules out of the rack  and change switch settings?

 

[shakim]

The module must be planned or modified for this purpose
The Master module must include an Insert switch that controls the backplane system (by connecting pin 11 to the GND)
The master module signal and the slave module processing part must be directed to the special backplane. (pins 3 & 6) and (pins  3-6 & 7-9)
The special backplane is equipped with 2 relays that when not activated behave like a true by-pass. The signals of the 2 modules return to them.
When the Master Module Insert switch is activated, the relays are also activated and the processing part of the slave module is inserted in the Master Module path.
it acts like the EQ Channel button of the Neve 8108.

Everything will be available in DI mode, backplanes, PSUs and 19 racks.

Another idea of this modular system is to be able to fix the backplanes behind the modules themselves and as everything is powered via a ribbon cable, it would be possible to insert modules of different depths (such as V672s for example) into a rack using backplanes equipped with different connectors as long as the PSU connector is present.
as well as tutorials to modify existing modules as they become available.
new modules will be able to take advantage of this system when they are designed

 

[shabtek]

Do you have photos of the product?

 

[shakim]

You can find some there

https://www.labo-k-effects.com/shop2/en/26-k551x

there will be more soon

 

[desun]

So you can only link modules next to each other? If i've got a 4-way backplane, then it's all or nothing? Can I choose whether module 2 or 3 or 4 is the insert for module 1?

I'm not quite sure I understand why this is a 500-series compatible product-- if I need your backplane and modules for it to work together, then surely it's better just having your own rack, or products with those features?

 

[okgb]

there are people like  sahib  and total control , on the white market with 500 racks that have switches  to let you direct couple
modules and gain access

 

[shakim]

The main idea of this system is to be able to modulate the backplane according to the desired options and future functions without having to change the rack.
Since the backplanes are powered by a ribbon cable, it is very easy to change one of the backplanes to be compatible with a new type of module. Thus a module with a DIN41612 connector would only need a backplane with the female connector to be able to invite itself into a 500 rack, which opens doors to new types of modules and backplanes.

The backplane for inserting an adjacent module on the fly is just one example of the possibilities.
It is of course possible to create a backplane with an insert BUS in order to select another module than the adjacent one.
We can also imagine a master VCO module to which several effects such as chorus, delay etc. could be synchronized...
Each new module or group of modules could be supplied with its backplane, which would be very easy to install thanks to the PSU bus.
This system is intended for future modules
but it is still necessary that old API modules and themodules that do not have these functions can be used in the same rack and that is why it is necessary to keep standard backplanes to build a custom rack.

 

[Benjaminbear]

It all sounds cool, but nothing that can’t already be done without creating yet another fork of the 500-format

you know what I would really like tho are eurorack versions of 500 modules...then you’d have all the modular functions without having to get everyone to sign onto a new format

 

[shakim]

A backplane in Eurorack format is available
this allows to load eurorack modules with 500 modules
(just adjust the position of the front panel fixing holes a little)